As with most festivals in South Korea, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival can be crowded.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

Thanks to its southern location, Jinhae's cherry blossoms peak earlier than most in South Korea.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

An estimated 340, 000 cherry trees line Jinhae's streets, rivers and train tracks, and dot surrounding mountainsides.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

From Changwon, for instance, the local 151 city bus serves Jinhae and travels directly to key festival sites.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

For visitors, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival makes a memorable day trip.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

Direct trains and buses travel to Jinhae from Seoul and Busan.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season

Honoring Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, famous for guiding victories against the Japanese during the Joseon Dynasty, the naval festival marks the only time during the year when Jinhae's Republic of Korea Naval Academy campus and Naval Museum are open to visitors.

CNN: Forget the North, it's cherry blossom season